Engagement Theory

Engagement theory is an approach to analyzing and creating engaging experiences, in both traditional media and in interactive forms. This includes books, plays, movies, sports, tabletop games, digital games, and more. In this approach, the elements of a work are experienced by an audience, creating the dynamics of the experience, which leads to engagement.

Effective designs follow a unifying set of principles, each of which can be considered independently at any one moment, but are all ultimately interconnected and reinforce each other. The principles are pattern (aka structure), balance (aka harmony), contrast (aka tension), simplicity (aka elegance), and universality (aka usability).